Portsmouth have reported that a fan has tragically passed away following a medical emergency during their Championship clash with Middlesbrough earlier on Saturday.

The Championship clash was stopped by referee Gavin Ward just seconds after kick-off following the distressing development in the crowd at Fratton Park, with both sets of players quickly taken off the pitch while the fan was treated by medics.

A lengthy delay followed with the match getting underway again at 3:35pm, more than half-an-hour after the original kick-off time.

Portsmouth went onto win the Championship clash 2-1 but the match has very much been overshadowed by the devastating news.

"Portsmouth Football Club are devastated to report that a Pompey fan has died following a medical emergency at Fratton Park today," a statement from the club read.

"The incident happened right at the start of the game, with the referee taking the players off the pitch to allow for treatment to be administered. Despite the valiant attempts of the emergency services, the supporter unfortunately passed away.

"Next of kin are aware. Our sincere thoughts and condolences go out to the supporter’s family and loved ones at this sad time.

"We are grateful to all the Pompey and Middlesbrough fans inside the stadium for the compassion, patience and understanding they showed in such distressing circumstances."

Middlesbrough released a statement of their own on social media after hearing the news. It read: "Our thoughts and condolences are with the family and friends of the supporter who passed away following a medical emergency at our game at Pompey today."

The tragic news comes just under four hours after Portsmouth's late comeback win against Boro in the Championship.

After Emmanuel Latte Lath put the visitors ahead in the 30th minute, Matt Ritchie scored twice in the 54th and 82nd minute to seal the win for the hosts.

The result leaves Pompey in 22nd, level on points with Hull, while Middlesbrough sit seventh.